Hartlepool Sixth Form College student Matthew Calvert, 18, from Easington, achieved an A in history; A in English literature and B in politics. He has secured a place at Durham University to study history and hopes to become a teacher.

“It was a really tough year with lots of exams and studying,” he said.

“I am over the moon, I wasn’t expecting these at all and was quite nervous this morning.”

Hartlepool Sixth Form College student Megan Drane, 18, from Merton , achieved a Distinction * in music performance and music technology. She also archived a B grade in PE and will study psychology at Durham University with the hope of becoming a music therapist.

Rachel Bunter was another high achieving student at the sixth form, securing her place at Newcastle University to study biochemistry. She achieved two A’s in biology and chemistry and a A* in maths.

“I am really pleased and delighted, but really shocked,” she said.

“I have been worried about it all morning and was up since 6.30 am waiting.

Kate Brown, 18, from Oxford Road in Hartlepool, achieved an A* in geography, an A in biology an a A* in chemistry. She will study natural sciences at University College London.

“I have been revising since January for my exams in June,” she said.

“It was really intense studying compared to GCSE and I didn’t expect these results at all.

Jessica Martin with her results from Cleveland College of Art & Design.

“I’m really pleased.”

English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College

Top performing student was Holly Rutherford who achieved four A* grades in maths, chemistry, biology and general studies, earning her a place at Oxford University to study biomedical sciences.

“I was not expecting this as you doubt yourself so I am surprised,” she said.

“I am really, really pleased and excited about going.”

The top performing boy was Paul Moore who achieved three A*s in Maths, Physics and Chemistry and grade A in Further Maths.

Other excellent results were achieved by Elizabeth Dunn who got two A*s, two As and a B, and Anshuman Sinha who achieved two A*s, an A and a B.

Nikita Nighoskar, 18, from Elwick, achieved two A’s in maths and biology and a B in chemistry, securing her place at Hull University to study medicine.

“It was really challenging but very rewarding,” she said.

“It is what I was hoping for, but not what I was expecting.

“I was a bit worried but I’m buzzing now.”

Cleveland College of Art & Design

Cleveland College of Art & Design A-level student Jessica Martin, from Seaton Carew in Hartlepool, also gained excellent results, with two As and one B in fine art, textiles and history of art, was over the moon with her results.

The 20-year-old student, a former pupil at Dyke House School in Hartlepool, said: “Although I knew my predicted grades, they are never guaranteed so I was a bit nervous and excited. “My mam burst into my room at 7.45am and said ‘wake up, you have to read your email’!